Honda Civic RS Penang Bound Test Drive Review
This is our second feel of the all new Civic RS and we have this to say.
Our first meeting with the latest Civic RS was at the Sepang Race Circuit late last year and we were impressed with the cabin look, build quality and overall presentation. In pictures it looked great and in person after a detailed touch and feel, we immediately understood how mature and grown-up this latest Civic RS was against the outgoing model which continued to sell very well right up to the last delivered unit.
So, what does ‘RS’ mean. It is Honda’s definition of having a smooth driving experience or ‘Road Sailing’! On our recent test drive run, the RS delivered ‘road sailing’ as we took on the JKR back roads and some highway smooth tarmac on our journey to Penang.
But it was the long snaking traffic jam on the Penang island that really tested our brand new Civic RS. Seating comfort, traffic noise, entertainment system and all round visibility to spot the weaving bikers around us. This is what the typical Civic RS owner will be experiencing almost every week day as they commute to and fro work without feeling ‘drained’ and weakened by our rising inner city congestion.
But let us start from the beginning. Honda Motor Corporation has moved their personal goal posts to deliver a sedan that is able to sit side by side with the Audi A3 sedan, BMW 218i Gran Coupe and even the latest Volkswagen Golf R-Line.
Similar in dimensions (this 11th generation Civic is actually larger in every area) and with almost the same power outputs (well, this Civic delivers a little but more) this new Civic just needs more people to get behind the wheel to realise it is just badge branding that separates the A3, Golf and 218i against this new Honda Civic RS.
Civic RS Design
It starts off well with faultless styling that creates largely positive first impressions. Its shape and sheet metal are cleanly and in-offensively sculpted.
Civic RS Cabin
Its interior is a similar case of tasteful minimalism, although closer inspection suggests that visual appeal came at the price of outright usability. To start with, there are not enough storage compartments to put things. Build quality is excellent just like with the latest Accord and City and the differentiation applied to the cabin is commendable.
Civic RS Drivetrain
In the engine room there is a familiar power-plant which is the 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine which has been tweaked a little to deliver 20 Nm more torque. So, this engine now delivers 182 horsepower and 240Nm of torque.
Paired with the same CVT it is capable of completing the century sprint in a respectable 8.3 seconds although the outstanding figure really is its fuel consumption that is rated at a believable 6.3 l/100km.
This latest Civic impresses for its good grip around corners and straight line acceleration, but for day-to-day usability it is the driving entertainment whilst offering decent performance at good fuel economy that takes priority.
Civic RS Features
Compared to the outgoing Civic RS this latest version rides a little better, possibly to create a more sporting character. This Honda Civic RS specifications will surprise you starting with its light 1284kg weight, low turning radius of 6.1m, 497-liter luggage space, remote engine start feature, walk away auto lock, 7-inch TFT meter cluster, sports infused half leather upholster, 8-way electric drivers seat and the full suite of Honda Sensing included.
Yes, some of your reading this will disagree with us comparing this RS with German made cars, well, take this RS for a test drive and on the same day please test drive two of the rivals and then over a glass of Ribena or cup of coffee remember what we have shared here and then comment back to us.
Honda Civic RS 1.5 VTEC Turbo Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder 16V DOHC VTEC Turbo
Capacity: 1498cc
Power: 182bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 240Nm @ 1,700-4,500rpm
Gearbox: CVT (Paddle Shifters)
0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds
Top Speed: 200km/h
Selling Price: RM144,350.09
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